Friday, May 06, 2016

The Baby Box Co. | The Everything But The Stork Box | Review ♥

As you all probably know by now I'm about a week away from giving birth to my second child, so at the moment I'm focused on everything to do with babies and all the wonderful things you can shower them with once they arrive. One very special and exciting product I was recently sent to review was The Baby Box Co. The Everything But the Stork Box and whilst you may be thinking that this is simply a box full of baby products, an alternative hamper as such, you are most certainly wrong. This box is far more special than that and actually has a fantastic purpose, apart from all the wonderful things it contains too.

You may be aware that in Finland every expectant mother receives a baby box filled with everything a newborn baby needs in the first precious stages in it's life (how amazing are the Finnish government for having this initiative by the way?!) - clothes, blankets and other essentials, as well as a mattress which allows the box to become the baby's first ever sleeping place. Now you may be thinking - "why would I leave my baby sleep in a box?" but it is widely believed that this practice has helped Finland achieve one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world and I actually think it's such a charming idea too.

The Baby Box Co. have adopted the idea of the Finnish baby box and have made it accessible to all, with multiple box options available within their range, depending on how much you want to spend. All of The Baby Box Co.'s boxes have been placed through safety checks and everything used to make the boxes are  non-toxic and environmentally safe. Each box has a padded mattress to keep baby comfortable whilst sleeping and a fitted sheet too - which experts say is vital to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

As I said above, we were sent The Everything But the Stork Box (I just love the name!), which is $199.99. The box itself is adorned in bright blue/green and fox pattern and it really does look lovely. The box is quite large, the perfect size for a little baby to sleep in comfortably without hitting the sides of the box. I was so excited for the box to arrive and see what was inside because I really do love things like this which cater for everything a baby needs, it's a real treat to have everything come in one box.

The box itself contained lots of different things, from terry bibs to wash clothes to onesies, as well as the mattress, fitted sheet and a waterproof cover. Our box differed slightly from what was stated on the website, included in our box was -

A khaki coloured wrap/sling - this came without any instructions so sadly I don't think I'd feel very comfortable using this with my newborn.
A board book - this was quite clever as it's all about boxes, very apt!
A drawstring bag full of coupons and samples - always handy to be able to save a few pennies when there's a new baby in the house.
Three organic washcloths - it was great to see organic items included in the box.
A full-size organic shampoo and wash for baby - it's always handy to have these stocked up in the bathroom.
An umbrella and stand for attaching to a pram/buggy - great to see this included for a summer baby to shade them from the sun when out and about.
Thermometer - this was a let down product because the thermometer doesn't work properly.
Two short-sleeved vests - a baby can never have enough vests!
An organic wooden teether - I think these are lovely for teething babies and I'll be attaching some fabric to this too.

Two HALO sleepsacks - I love using sleeping bags like this with the little ones and it's great that these are in a light summer tog too.
A sleepsuit - I really liked the baby blue and white stripe on this one.
A giraffe comforter/lovey - this is such a sweet comforter and very soft too, perfect for baby to snuggle up to.
Two terry cloth bibs - these are waterproof so great for protecting little ones chests against dribbles.
A newborn hat with matching mittens - this hat is so tiny, as are the mittens. I can't wait to put them on baby.
A cloth diaper trial pack - it's always lovely to see eco-friendly products included for babies and we'll be giving this nappy a try once baby arrives.
A pair of mittens - another pair of mittens was included in our box, these always come in handy though, especially if baby has long nails.
A membership card for the baby box university - this is an online antenatal and parenting programme.

As you can see, the box included lots of essential things which are perfect for baby's first weeks of life. I really do love the concept of the baby box an would love to see the Irish government adopt it for expecting mothers too. However, until then, it's great that a company such as The Baby Box Co. are offering baby boxes to all. A box like this would make such a great gift for expectant parents.

You can read more about The Everything But the Stork Box and browse the other boxes available on The Baby Box Co. website.

*We were sent this box for the purposes of this review, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.


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10 comments

  1. That's the most adorable box I've ever seen, not to mention to contents! I bet it felt like Christmas when it was delivered ;) Good luck! Can't wait to see photos of your baby. x

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  2. I love the idea of Finnish boxes, such a good one to get the new member of the family off to a good start.

    Good luck I expect you cannot wait to met your baby.

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  3. What a gorgeous box and so practical too. Would make a lovely gift.

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  4. These boxes are such a fab idea, and I love the design of this one! All the little bits and bobs are so cute too - and it's so handy that you can store them all together until baby arrives! x

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  5. I love the design of the box. I had a similar one when Sebby was born and it was a godsend

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  6. What a wonderful idea. I love the box design too

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  7. I really like the sound of these boxes and if I have another child I can see this being very handy to have.

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  8. this looks amazing! i would have loved to have had one with erin. i got a sling online before she was born and practised with a doll by watching youtube videos of how to tie it different ways. that could work :) so excited to see your birth announcement. i keep checking back!

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  9. This is actually the first time I am hearing of babies sleeping in boxes but it is definitely not a bad idea plus the print is gorgeous. Ooh so exciting maybe the next time we hear from you, you will have had the bubba?

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  10. This would make such a lovely gift and I love the items included, the giraffe being super cute x

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